Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl eBook

For the last time I went up to my nook. Its desolate
appearance no longer chilled me, for the light of
hope had risen in my soul. Yet, even with the
blessed prospect of freedom before me, I felt very
sad at leaving forever that old homestead, where I
had been sheltered so long by the dear old grandmother;
where I had dreamed my first young dream of love; and
where, after that had faded away, my children came
to twine themselves so closely round my desolate heart.
As the hour approached for me to leave, I again descended
to the storeroom. My grandmother and Benny were
there. She took me by the hand, and said, “Linda,
let us pray.” We knelt down together, with
my child pressed to my heart, and my other arm round
the faithful, loving old friend I was about to leave
forever. On no other occasion has it ever been
my lot to listen to so fervent a supplication for mercy
and protection. It thrilled through my heart,
and inspired me with trust in God.

Peter was waiting for me in the street. I was
soon by his side, faint in body, but strong of purpose.
I did not look back upon the old place, though I felt
that I should never see it again.

XXX. Northward Bound.

I never could tell how we reached the wharf.
My brain was all of a whirl, and my limbs tottered
under me. At an appointed place we met my uncle
Phillip, who had started before us on a different route,
that he might reach the wharf first, and give us timely
warning if there was any danger. A row-boat was
in readiness. As I was about to step in, I felt
something pull me gently, and turning round I saw
Benny, looking pale and anxious. He whispered
in my ear, “I’ve been peeping into the
doctor’s window, and he’s at home.
Good by, mother. Don’t cry; I’ll come.”
He hastened away. I clasped the hand of my good
uncle, to whom I owed so much, and of Peter, the brave,
generous friend who had volunteered to run such terrible
risks to secure my safety. To this day I remember
how his bright face beamed with joy, when he told
me he had discovered a safe method for me to escape.
Yet that intelligent, enterprising, noble-hearted
man was a chattel! Liable, by the laws of a country
that calls itself civilized, to be sold with horses
and pigs! We parted in silence. Our hearts
were all too full for words!

Swiftly the boat glided over the water. After
a while, one of the sailors said, “Don’t
be down-hearted, madam. We will take you safely
to your husband, in ——.”
At first I could not imagine what he meant; but I had
presence of mind to think that it probably referred
to something the captain had told him; so I thanked
him, and said I hoped we should have pleasant weather.